I recently shared with you my Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences in the theme parks. Now I’m back to give you a peak at my Top 8 Walt Disney World Dining Experiences at the resorts! We tend to eat at resorts a lot just because I think it give more flexibility when planning a trip (it doesn’t matter what park I’m at I can still eat at any resort and they are just a boat ride, bus ride or monorail ride away!).

1. Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney’s Yacht Club Resort): Located just a short walk from Epcot, Yachtsman Steakhouse is a Signature Dining experience you don’t want to miss! Between the delicious food and elegant atmosphere, this is my go-to pick for a fun adult’s only date night while visiting Walt Disney World. As the name implies, it is a steakhouse so of course the steak options are my top pick (the 32 oz Porterhouse is on my Bucket List!) but all of their offerings are delicious (like the Truffle Macaroni and Cheese). As with other Signature Restaurants, their menu does change seasonally which I love! Again, since this is a Signature Dining experience it will use 2 Table Service Credits for the Standard and Deluxe Disney Dining Plans.

2. California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): Before your meal even begins you will be whisked to the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort by private elevator. Once inside you’ll be treated to a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Floridian woodlands and Cinderella’s Castle. And if you like sushi, California Grill is where you will find, in my opinion, the best sushi in all of Walt Disney World! The Spicy Kazan Roll is sure to please and the Pork Belly Nigiri is a fun twist on traditional sushi. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to choose from including the Oak-fired Filet of Beef and the Braised Lamb Hind Shank. And of course, if you can time it right, you can watch Wishes over Magic Kingdom from inside the restaurant. It’s something everyone should get to see once! This is a Signature Dining experience and uses 2 Table Service Credits from the Standard and Deluxe Disney Dining Plans.

3. Cape May Cafe (Disney’s Beach Club Resort): This is probably my favorite of all the buffets at Walt Disney World. Serving both breakfast and dinner, either meal is sure to please. Join Goofy, Donald and Minnie in their beach gear for a fun and delicious character breakfast that is sure to please. In the evening you are invited to a good ole fashioned clambake with a seafood buffet and other amazing dishes including some amazing pasta creations. If we can we try to visit Cape May for both breakfast and dinner during our trip.

4. ‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Resort): This all you care to enjoy restaurant is full of Polynesian flair! While breakfast is pretty standard fare, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, breakfast meat and waffles, dinner pays tribute the island inspiration of both ‘Ohana and the Polynesian Resort. The Sweet and Sour Pour and Honey-Corriander Chicken Wings are amazing but the meal’s star is the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode with Bananas-Caramel Sauce. Breakfast is a character meal featuring Lilo and Stitch while dinner guests are entertained with family games, storytelling and music.

5. Whispering Canyon (Disney’s Wilderness Lodge): Whispering Canyon is anything but quiet! If you’re looking for a fun, family meal this is the place for you. The food is good (the Build Your Own Family Platter is my recommendation for sure!) and the services is great, with a snarky twist! Try a refillable (yes, refillable!) milkshake and don’t forget to ask for Ketchup! And make sure you take in the beauty that is Wilderness Lodge. It is my favorite resort to visit and just “take it all in” even if we are staying elsewhere.

6. Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): A trip to Walt Disney World just isn’t complete for my family without a stop at Chef Mickey’s! Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto all decked out in their culinary best for breakfast or dinner. The atmosphere is wonderful – make sure you have your napkins ready to join in on any celebrations that may be going on! The characters are wonderful and this is a great way to spend some time with the Fab 5 in a less hectic setting than the parks. Honestly, I prefer Chef Mickey’s for breakfast over dinner but the dinner menu is good as well. I do think, however, that the character interactions and the atmosphere are the key selling points of this restaurant and the food is slightly above average.

7. Boma (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge): Boma is one of three restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. While all three are amazing, I love the variety the buffet at Boma provides. And there are so many options, even the pickiest of eaters should find something they will like. The African vibe can be felt through the restaurant with the decor and seating. And oh my, the food! The Curried Pasta Salad is a favorite along with the Couscous Salad. There is also always a wide variety of soups and side dishes to choose from. The main dishes and meats, especially the carving station meat, is always full of flavor and delicious. But the favorite for me is the dessert – specifically the Zebra Domes. I’m pretty sure a few of those are worth the entire cost of the buffet in my opinion! They are a must try if you plan to visit Boma.

8. 1900 Park Fare (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort): Serving both breakfast and dinner buffets, and following in the Victorian theme of the Grand Floridian, 1900 Park Fare provides delicious food, an elegant atmosphere and wonderful character interactions. While at breakfast you may meet characters from Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins or even Peter Pan, dinner is all about Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Tremaine ladies. Overall, I’m a bigger fan of the dinner buffet and I think Lady Tremaine and the step-sisters are some of the best characters to meet. That said, breakfast is a great way to start your day before heading off to a park.

How do your list compare? What did I miss? Share your top picks with us in the comments below!

My name is Alissa and I am a Writer for Chip and Company. I’m also an Independent Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred agency of Chip and the Disney Addicts. Email me today at alissa@worldofmagictravel.com to book your next “Magical” vacation to your favorite destination.

What is the best thing about Valentine’s Day? It’s got to be the sweet treats, right? I mean flowers are nice, but they perish – a delicious meal or dessert at the Happiest Place on Earth is sure to win out over flowers any day! I wish I were going to be at WDW for Valentine’s Day, don’t you?

This article highlights some of the amazing new Valentine’s offerings at Walt Disney World this season.

Princess Tiana said it best: “My mom always said that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” If that’s the case, love is all around at Walt Disney World Resort! This week, you’ll find specialty sweets throughout the resort; here are some of our favorites:

Please comment below with which treats you would share with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day!

Thank you to Disney Parks Blog for this yummy article that is sure to delight any Valentine’s Day foodie.

I’m Stephanie – Disneyland expert and writer for Chip & Co and Premier Annual Passholder for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. I am also an Annual Passholder for Universal Studios Hollywood. Along with being a huge Walt Disney fan and entertainment junkie, I am an Independent Travel Consultant with World of Magic Travel, the preferred Travel Agency of Chip & Co. When I am not planning my next trip to Disney, you can find me working on various craft projects at home and running my businesses. Who am I kidding – I am always planning my next Disney trip!

Contact me today for your FREE quote for Disney and other magical destinations at stephanie@worldofmagictravel.com. I look forward to helping you make some vacation magic very soon!

Ok, so you’ve just spent a long morning touring atWalt Disney World, and it’s after noon, and you realize – hey, its lunchtime, and I am STARVING! Well, Disney has you covered – there are a TON of great places to grab a quick bite, and they all offer up delicious freshly prepared meals that will help you fuel up and get ready to head back out there! When I am in the Parks, there are certain meals I tend to gravitate towards – so much so that I will even purposely seek them out and plan my days around them! So here they are – My Top 5 Counter Service Meals at Walt Disney World:

1. The Ribs/Chicken combo platter atFlame Tree BBQ – Animal Kingdom is home to this spot that serves up barbeque classics like St. Louis ribs, baked beans, cornbread, smoked chicken, beef, and turkey. The true standout here is the chicken and ribs combo – ¼ rack smoked ribs and ¼ rotisserie chicken served up with coleslaw and baked beans. The meats are smoked on site and are juicy and flavorful, and the sides pair with it perfectly! You can grab some BBQ sauce from the condiment station for dipping, or just dig right in as is – either way, it’s a delicious choice

2. The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf atWolfgang Puck Express – If you’ve spent the day shopping your heart out at Downtown Disney and are desperate for a break and a meal, then I highly suggest you head over to Wolfgang Puck Express for a more “upscale” counter service dining experience! With items like Rotisserie chicken, spaghetti Bolognese, assorted pizzas and a large selection of salads and sandwiches – you’re sure to find something everyone will enjoy here! The Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf is served on a bed of mashed potatoes and it’s drizzled with a port wine sauce and topped with crispy onion straws. The combination of flavors from the different elements – the moist meat with the salty bacon crust, the creamy potatoes with a sweet sauce and the onions – it all makes for one amazing meal

3. Oak Grilled Rotisserie Chicken atSunshine Seasons – You can smell (and see!) the chickens roasting as soon as you walk into the food court style restaurant in Epcot – they are roasted throughout the day and the meal is served with black beans and yellow rice. The chicken itself is moist and full of flavor, and the mild spice of the rice is the perfect accompaniment. The chicken is great here – but I recommend saving room for dessert too – strawberry shortcake is the winner here, layers of moist shortcake and fresh whipped cream and berries – yum! Other options here are plentiful – Asian dishes, sandwiches/salad/soup, cheesecake, cookies and key lime pie for dessert – and they serve a hot breakfast too!

4. Tacos fromLa Cantina De San Angel – Choose from “Carne or Pollo” (beef or chicken) filled tacos served on freshly made corn tortillas with fresh chips on the side (my mouth is literally watering just thinking about it now). You must pair the tacos with a delicious margarita (it’s the law) – available in frozen or on the rocks varieties. Not in the mood for tacos? How about nachos, or cheese empanadas, or guacamole and chips – it’s all available here in Epcot’s Mexico – and it’s all worth trying

5. Hot dog and French Fries fromCasey’s Corner – This meal won’t win any awards for being fancy, but its classic and delicious, and really hits the spot after a long day of fun in the Park. A plump hot dog and fresh hot fries will satisfy almost any picky kid (or adult!) and you can spice it up with their chili cheese dog or BBQ slaw dog options too. Or maybe some corn dog nuggets? And they can all be dipped in the available “plastic cheese” (aka nacho/liquid cheese) – which is a huge plus. If you’re lucky enough to be able to grab a table outside the restaurant you’ll enjoy people watching and maybe even get to see the parade go by on Main Street!

I have to make sure that the runner-up is mentioned to – pretty much anything from the Earl Of Sandwich in Downtown Disney will make for a delicious meal – I am partial to the holiday sandwich (stuffed with turkey and stuffing!), but there are tons of options available – roast beef, ham, buffalo chicken – and they are all made on rolls baked fresh daily

I would love to know your thoughts – as clearly these are only my opinions (and clearly I also have a strong preference for Disney Meat?) – so what are YOUR top Counter Service Meal Choices at WDW?

Ok, so as an adult I know I should be slightly ashamed to admit the following statement (but I’m not, so here it goes): I LOVE CHARACTER MEALS – they are honestly my favorite part of my Walt Disney World trips. For those of you who don’t know, a character meal is pretty self-explanatory – you enjoy a meal while characters from your favorite Disney movies and shows circulate for meet and greets! Not sold on the idea? Well – here’s 5 reasons why character meals are the best – in case you need more convincing:

1. SO MANY to choose from: Disney World offers a BIG variety of character meals to choose from, and they are always looking at what characters are popular and adding/changing the lineup to best suit their guests! You can dine with the “fab five” – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto at Chef Mickey’s (where they all wear chef’s hats and aprons!), or treat your little Princess to a royal meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table where you dine in the Castle with Snow White, Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella too! Other character choices include Lilo and Stitch, Winnie The Pooh and friends, Chip and Dale (dresses as farmers!) and many more!

2. The Characters Come To YOU: How many times have you waited in line in the hot sun to get a picture with you or your kid’s favorite character? Those lines can be brutal – specifically I am thinking of the 4+ hour wait to see Elsa and Anna right now at WDW – and can eat up entire days if you’re not careful. Character meals are the perfect solution to this – you get to multitask in a major way – you enjoy a meal while multiple characters come right to your table, no waiting in line required

3. Drool-Worthy Food: The characters may be the main attraction at these meals, but we can’t forget about the FOOD – you can get some seriously delicious eats at character meals. Many are served buffet style – where you can sample from a large variety of dishes and enjoy as much as you want, while others are served “family style” – which means platters of food are brought directly to your table and you can have as many refills as you want of all the dishes from the pre-determined menu (family style is especially nice for parents of younger kids – since they bring the food right to you, you might actually be able to enjoy the meal and not have to be running back and forth to the buffet 20 times!). Other locations offer a more traditional sit down meal with a menu full of yummy options. Some of my family’s personal favorites include the prime rib from the dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Pooh’s Breakfast Lasagna from the Crystal Palace, and the dessert selection at Chef Mickey’s (especially the self-serve ice cream bar!)

4. Large Locations: Many of the character meals are served in large restaurants with many tables, which allows them to seat more people at once, and also makes it easier for you to get an ADR for these meals too! Some of them are extremely popular, so I definitely recommend being willing to eat at an “off” time if possible –a 10am breakfast or a 2pm lunch would mean lighter crowds and possibly more time with your favorite characters

5. Perfect For Those Of All Ages: Kids and adults all love characters – getting hugs, photos, and autographs is just as much of a thrill for me now as it was when I was 5 – and it really makes you feel young at heart! It’s a great activity for the whole family, and a great opportunity to get some awesome family photos. Even a 1 year olds face lights up when Mickey comes by to give them a hug, and parents and grandparents love posing for photos just as much as the kids – so don’t let age deter you from enjoying the awesome experiences that character meals can offer

I’m sure some of you are like me and plan your entire trip around which character meals you will be attending, but for those who aren’t sure what to expect or if a character meal would work for you and your family, I hope these reasons help you decide to go for it – you can’t go wrong with Disney character meals!

There are SO MANY dining choices at Walt Disney World, it can be overwhelming and scary to try to answer the question of “what’s for dinner?” Luckily, there is help out there! Follow these tips and you will be sure to have a spectacular dining experience!

Plan ahead: Do your research! I can’t stress this one enough, there are tons of books and websites that have restaurant descriptions, menus, and even pictures so you can know what to expect when you go. Another part of planning ahead would be to make your ADR’s in advance (ADR = Advance Dining Reservations, and Disney allows you to make them up to 180 days prior to your trip). So go online, figure out places you might like to eat, and make a tentative itinerary based on that. A tip on ADR’s would be to have backup choices, and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get every single one of your top picks, chances are very good that you will still enjoy whatever you end up eating!

Please note you will need a Credit Card to Make your ADR’s.

Don’t overload: 3 buffets in 1 day? Sounds like a deliciously horrible idea…but I have seen it done (I have personally only done 2 buffets in one day, and even that was too much!). There are a lot of options, and a lot of them are buffets or all you can eat meals, so you will want to take this into consideration when planning your meals. My personal rule of thumb is to book 1 ‘special’ meal per day (be it a buffet or other sit down restaurant), and then let the other meals fall as they may and grab a quick snack or counter service meal whenever we need a break

Ask yourself “Who am I eating with?”: Whether you are dining alone or with a party of 10 people, it’s always important to take people’s tastes into consideration. If you know your father hates seafood, or your kids won’t eat anything other than chicken nuggets, you will want to pick places that accommodate those tastes. Obviously you can’t please everyone all the time, but you can come pretty darn close at Disney – especially with their large number of buffets that offer a large variety of food, where everyone is sure to find something they like

Try something new: Never had *real* French food? Been thinking about giving sushi a try? Go for it, you are on vacation, and Walt Disney World has it all, from the authentic cuisines from countries around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase, to plenty of seafood, American, steak, and barbeque options all over the World. And when you go to these new restaurants, don’t be tempted to order the burger or steak just because it’s safe, order that new item whose description intrigued you. No matter what you order, you won’t be sorry

Consider the Disney Dining Plan: It’s easy to use, convenient, and can save you some money if you really use it to its fullest advantage. The snack items you can use it for are marked with a special dining plan symbol at most locations, and as for sit down restaurants, almost all of them in the World participate. The regular dining plan includes 1 Table Service, 1 Counter Service, and 1 Snack per person for each night of your stay. All you have to do is swipe your room key at the checkout, and you’re done, just like that! It is a genius idea, and I am a firm believer in the Disney Dining Plan (check it out for yourself here, and check Disney’s website for participating restaurants and information)

Dining in Disney World is a truly special experience, and if you follow these tips, the food you eat on your WDW vacation won’t serve as mere fuel to keep you going as you tour the parks, but it will be a highlight of your trip and something that keeps you coming back again and again!

The holiday season is once again upon us! The Halloween candy has been eaten (well, the GOOD candy anyway), and the air has a crispness to it that you only find this time of year! Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, and if you got put in charge of bringing the dessert to this year’s meal, why not make something special that your guests won’t soon forget? And while you’re at it – why not recreate that amazing dessert from your last Walt Disney World trip? Check out these Disney DIY Dessert Recipes that are perfect for your holiday gathering:

This deliciously moist cake is best served warm and a la mode – which is exactly how you get it when it’s served at Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom! It’s perfect for Thanksgiving – as it incorporates two classic tastes of the holiday – apple and cranberry, plus – it’s super easy to make!

Pie is pretty much a “must-have” Thanksgiving dessert, and there’s always the standard apple and pumpkin, but why not try this caramel apple version to change things up a bit? This dish is served at Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort – a place where raucous antics are always on the menu (as well as delicious meals and desserts like this one!)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat the bottom and inside of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
At medium-low speed, beat the flour and the dough until combined.
Press the sugar cookie dough into sides and bottom of pan, creating a 1/4-inch thick crust.
In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with sugar, flour, ginger and cinnamon. Spoon into prepared crust.
Spoon on caramel topping.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake one hour.
While pie is baking, in a mixing bowl at low speed, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Increase speed to medium; gradually add butter and vanilla, beating until wet crumbs form.
After pie has baked for one hour, remove from oven and uncover.
Sprinkle crumb mixture over top of warm pie.
Cover exposed edges of crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool on rack and remove sides from the pan.
Stir together the confectioners’ sugar with enough water to make icing.
Transfer to a plastic food storage bag, snip one corner, and drizzle over crumbs.
Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Hopefully these mouth-watering desserts will find a place on your Thanksgiving table – and if you want more ideas, there are plenty more available in the assorted Disney cookbooks available online (via the Disney store website, Amazon, or Ebay). I don’t know about you, but I have a LOT to be thankful for this year – an amazing family, health, happiness, and of course I am thankful for Walt Disney World and all the joy it brings to my life each and every day!

So you’ve gone ahead and booked your first WDW trip – congrats! Once your trip is about 6 months away, you’ll need to make your Advance Dining Reservations (or ADR’s in Disney-speak!) for your table service meals. But if you have no clue where to begin, fear not – as it is easier than you think! Here’s a guide to picking out your ADR’s that should help you get started

The ADR: A Quick Rundown – So ok – what exactly does ADR mean anyway? An Advanced Dining Reservation or ADR basically is a guarantee that you will have a table at a restaurant on a given night around a given time – it is NOT a reservation, it just means that you will be on the list and will get the next table that opens up after your allotted time. Disney allows you to make ADR’s 180 days before your trip, and many of them fill up quickly believe it or not! Check out more info on how ADR’s work here

When it comes to actually making your ADR’s, there are a LOT of Disney restaurants and dining experiences to choose from, so many that it can be overwhelming to try and settle on just a few! I personally like to go with the “one of everything”approach, by choosing one from each of the following categories:

Character meals – Dining with your favorite Disney characters is a must do – and there are plenty of options to choose from too! Some are buffets, some are served family style (which means everything off a pre-determined menu is brought right to your table, and you can have as many refills as you want!), and some are more of a traditional sit down meal. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are available in all 4 parks and in many of the Disney Resorts – and the idea is the same for all of them, the characters will make their rounds (usually takes about an hour for them to cover the dining room) and pose for pictures and autographs and hugs too! If you have younger kids who love meeting characters, this is a great way to meet several in one place, and they come right to your table too! A personal favorite of mine is the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom – breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are served daily, and Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore are always there to interact with everyone

Buffets – There are plenty around WDW, and some are definitely worth checking out. We all know how a buffet works, its basically an all you can eat extravaganza with tons of food options, and Disney really does the buffet justice – breakfasts with freshly made waffles and pastries and omelet stations, and dinners with carved meats and make your own ice cream sundae bars – it doesn’t get much better than that! I know some people shy away from buffets as they think they are all the same – reheated food that is bland and boring – but that’s really not the case at Disney, and one favorite that proves this point is Boma – an African themed buffet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge that serves up breakfast and dinner daily. Fresh assorted salads, hummus, pita bread, carved meats, roasted chicken, an assortment of soups, plus African specialties like bobotie (a spiced quiche like dish) really make this a winner in my book – oh and they have amazing desserts too (two words – zebra domes!) Buffet tips – arrive hungry, take your time savoring and don’t plan any fastpasses for thrill rides for a few hours after your meal!

Something “new” (cuisine wise) – WDW offers every type of cuisine out there – and you should definitely take advantage of that when making your ADR’s! Epcot’s World Showcase is an especially great place to try something new – each country offers authentic cuisine – like bratwurst and beer in Germany, pasta and wood fired pizza in Italy, Sushi in Japan, and much, much more! This is the time to branch out of your comfort zone of burgers and chicken and experience all that Disney has to offer (and if you REALLY hate what you ordered, the staff will generally be pretty good about bringing you something else so you don’t leave hungry!)

Signature Dining/Dinner Shows – Looking to celebrate a special event? Then plan a special meal! Disney has a bunch of “signature” restaurants – which basically means they are nicer and fancier than your standard character buffet, and more expensive too (they will cost you two Disney dining plan table service credits instead of one), but in many cases they are worth it. Another option that falls into this “special” category is dinner shows – a meal and entertainment all in one! I love the Luau at the Polynesian Resort, but my parents are partial to the Hoop de doo revue – a wild west themed stage show that offers plenty of laughs and buckets of fried chicken too! When it comes to celebrating, a special meal just might be the ticket – so before you right off the “signature” dining as too expensive or not for you, explore the options here and here, you’ll find seafood, Italian, steak, and more – all served in an elegant setting perfect for romance

Variety Is The Spice Of Life – Whatever you decide, I highly recommend you vary it up – don’t just eat burgers and chicken fingers the whole time you’re at WDW – try something new! After all, isn’t that the point of vacation, to live on the edge and have new experiences and memories?

Check out these links to Resort Dining and Park dining to get more information on all the great dining at WDW, and when making your ADR’s remember the tips above, and don’t panic too much about whether you’re making the right choices – because pretty much all Disney food is amazing so you will never go hungry no matter where you eat!

I love checking out all the different places to eat at Walt Disney World – they offer some of the most unique and delicious cuisine, and there are TONS of dining options available too. Sometimes though, you aren’t really in the mood to stop and eat a sit down meal (maybe you’ve got that Park momentum going and there are rides calling your name?) – and you want a quick bite. Luckily – just because you are opting for “fast food” doesn’t mean that we are looking at lame typical theme Park food – Disney Counter Service restaurants serve up tons of amazing meals! I have thus far written about where you can grab a quick bite at the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot – and today I am heading over to Downtown Disney to check out the quick service eateries:

Earl Of Sandwich – This may be a chain (aka not Disney exclusive) – but don’t let that deter you from grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner (or all 3! here). The bread is baked fresh in house daily, and the sandwich options are plentiful and mouth-watering – egg and cheese (with or without ham or bacon!) at breakfast time, and specialties like buffalo chicken, thai, spicy tuna, club, roast beef, and the famous holiday turkey (turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry) for lunch and dinner. If you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, check out their fresh muffins, bagels and parfaits in the morning, and an assortment of salads later in the day. Or you can skip right to dessert – peanut butter/vanilla/chocolate frosting sandwiched between two fresh brownies sound good? Well – it is. REALLY good. There’s a decent amount of seating here – both inside and out, but it can get VERY crowded during peak meal times, so plan accordingly!

Wolfgang Puck Express – Belgian waffles, breakfast pizza, tomato basil and goat cheese omelet – with dishes like those for breakfast, it’s hard to believe that this is a quick service restaurant not a sit down! But it’s true – you can get these and other awesome menu items “to go”, which just goes to show that just because you are short on time doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality! The menu here is BIG – there are tons of entrees to choose from for all meals – lunch and dinner offer an assortment of salads, sandwiches pizzas, and meals like bacon-wrapped meatloaf, rotisserie chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, and more! The dining room is loft-like and sophisticated, with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of food-related décor

Cookes of Dublin – Located adjacent to Raglan Road Irish Pub, this counter service location is a traditional “fish and chips” location – and when you walk in you might actually think you stepped into Dublin! It’s a small place with not many tables – so you will definitely want to plan to check this spot out at an “off time”. Choose from menu items like fish and chips (with optional bacon cheese dipping sauce!), a fried hamburger, and a fried candy bar too! Oh, and there are some non-fried items available too – mostly salads and sandwiches, and they have some great desserts too – black forest roll and a baked meringue to name a few. If you’re looking for some Irish fare but don’t want to brave the long wait next door at Raglan Road, they Cookes is the place for you!

The Smokehouse – This is a relatively new dining location for Disney, and it is actually a counter service eatery that is part of the House Of Blues restaurant – so if you like their food, then you will definitely want to check out the menu here too. Pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket, St. Louis style ribs, and smoked turkey legs are all on the menu here. You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating in the courtyard behind the restaurant, with strings of lights that make nighttime here even more magical – oh and I did I mention they have live outdoor music too? Ribs and blues – doesn’t get much better than that!

I love all that Downtown Disney has to offer – a movie theater, bowling alley, bars, restaurants, and my favorite – plenty of SHOPPING! I don’t like to stop long once I’m in the shopping frame of mind – so grabbing a bite at one of these counter service restaurants is a perfect way to enjoy some amazing food in a reasonable amount of time so I can get back to enjoying the stores!

Ok – so you’ve all at least heard of the Drink Around The World challenge right? Where you stop at each country of Epcot’s World Showcase and sample a drink (or two!) from that country? Well, it’s a really fun time and a great way to get to try a ton of unique drinks – however, it’s not for everyone (pregnant women, anyone under 21, etc…), so in lieu of drinking, how about we try snacking around the world instead?It’s easy – just head around World Showcase and stop off at each country for these top snacks:

America – Nothing says “America!” like deep fried cake – am I right? The funnel cake stand is the place to be if you’re looking for a treat – you can get it classic with just powdered sugar, or get it a la mode with vanilla ice cream, or have it topped with chocolate sauce, apples, and look for seasonal pumpkin too! It comes out hot and slightly greasy – which is exactly how a funnel cake should be I think! The cakes are big enough to share – but no one will judge you if you don’t

Canada – There isn’t much to speak of here in the way of snack carts or stands, but if you head to the Canada pavillion’s gift shop, you will find some unique treats for sale – the most noteworthy of them being potato chips with flavors you don’t see here in the US – like ketchup and sweet potato, and dill pickle too – what a fun twist on a classic treat!

China – The “Joy Of Tea” eatery is more than meets the eye – sure they offer hot and iced teas, and even a refreshing iced tea slushie – but they also offer some seriously awesome Chinese BBQ Pork Buns. It’s mildly BBQ and onion flavored tender pork inside a bread pocket – a thick, flaky, tender cloud of carbs – yum. If you aren’t into the Pork bun, they also serve egg rolls, a chicken curry pocket, and ice cream

France – It’s all about the desserts here in France – and they have plenty of them over at the bakery! A true french classic is the Napoleon– layers of puff pastry and creamy custard – this is a hit for sure, and is heaven paired with a fresh latte. The bakery case offers fresh baguettes (which pair perfectly with their cheese platter), croissants, macaroons, eclairs and much more

Germany – While strolling through Germany you MUST make a stop at Karamel Kuche – where the waft of fresh caramel hits you before you even step inside! Freshly made caramel corn is definitely the must try, but aside from that there’s a whole CASE full of sugary goodies! Caramel apples, cookies, candies, and my personal favorite – the dark chocolate salted caramel. Devine.

Italy – When in Rome, do as the Romans do – and eat Gelato! Fresh flavors made daily like can be enjoyed alone, or between two cookies, or in a sundae, or in a cone! Cannolis and Tiramisu are available here too, as well as smoothies, coffee drinks, wine and beer. If you have never had true Italian style gelato, then you’re in for a real treat – it’s creamy and rich and bursting with flavor

Japan – One word for you – Kakigori! It’s shaved ice topped with your choice of fruit flavors: strawberry, melon, tangerine, cherry, or rainbow (choice of three flavors). What a perfect treat for a hot day at Disney! You’ll find this at the Kabuki Café along with sushi, wine and beer options, and even traditional Japanese sake

Mexico – La Cantina De San Angel offers up tasty tacos and empanadas all day, as well as margaritas and ice cold Coronas. But if you’re in a snacking mood, you’ll want to try the Churritos– mini Churros served up hot with caramel dipping sauce – yum. Or you could have the corn chips and guacamole if you’re looking for more of a salty treat

Morocco – We all love Ice Cream,right? Well then how about some new chef-created flavors? Available at Morocco’s Juice Bar, the flavors are pretty cool – Chocolate and Cinnamon, Green Tea, Pistachio with Orange Blossom Water, Strawberry and Red Bean, and Toasted Almond with Rosewater. You can get it served in a cone or a cup, and you can even mix two flavors in one cup! There’s wine and beer and specialty drinks here too (after all, it IS a juice bar!)

Norway – Stop by the bakery here for a coffee and a treat – the school bread is the winner here for sure! It’s a sweet roll injected with a creamy vanilla custard, and covered with a sweet icing and toasted coconut. It reminds me a bit of a donut, and it’s been a famous Epcot favorite for years

United Kingdom – This is another “country” that doesn’t have its own dedicated snack stand, but in its souvenir shop you can pick from an assortment of candy and treats that are only available across the pond – like miniature mince-meat, apple, and berry pies, assorted Cadbury chocolate bars, and other packaged candy

Ok I don’t know about you but I am definitely going to do this next time I am at WDW – but I don’t think I can do it alone – best to bring a snack buddy to “share the load” – of deliciousness that is!

You may know that the Magic Kingdom Theme Park offers some AMAZING seasonal treats for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party but for those of you who do not plan to attend the Halloween Party this year, or maybe you’re looking for a way to carry on the celebration in the other Disney Parks too – then I have some great news for you!

Disney is brewing up a few spooky snacks at some of your favorite Disney Theme Parks to help you scare up some fun this fall just outside of the Magic Kingdom.

Epcot

Sunshine Seasons at Epcot Theme Park is conjuring up a spooky Witch Cupcake, made with rich chocolate cake, piped with peanut butter filling in the center for a fun and delicious way to celebrate this spooky season.

Hollywood Studios Theme Park

If you’re looking for a wickedly good snack option in Hollywood Studios, be sure to try the Carrot Cake-take on this cute and colorful Witch Cupcake which is almost completely covered with festive orange and purple sprinkles, topped with a purple and orange chocolate witch hat and found only in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park.

Who could resist this ‘wild’ take on Halloween with the Animal Kingdom’s delicious Bat Cupcake made with rich chocolate cake topped with white icing, sprinkles and a chocolate bat.

Kusafiri Bakery and Isle of Java is now featuring a ‘Not So Scary’ version of a Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Mug filled with delicious chocolate mousse making this a great take-home souvenir even after your sweet snack is gone.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more frightening, why not grab a decedent chocolate brownie covered with spooky sprinkles or try a festive fall pumpkin muffin to satisfy your creepy cravings this Halloween!

Which ever treat you choose you’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with any of these goolish-goodies now offered in your favorite Walt Disney World Theme Parks this Halloween Season. Leave us a comment below on some of your favorites, we love to hear from you.

Happy Halloween!

]]>http://www.chipandco.com/scare-fun-halloween-season-spooky-snacks-disney-world-theme-parks-199407/feed/0Trick or Treat? What to Splurge on and What to Pass on at the Main Street Confectioneryhttp://www.chipandco.com/trick-treat-splurge-pass-main-street-confectionery-198619/
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The enticing smells that waft through Main Street have a way of drawing you into the Main Street Confectionery. Everywhere you look, sugary treats of all shapes and sizes beckon you closer. The display case is filled with one temptation after another. How are you supposed to decide what to purchase as your splurge treat and what to pass up and leave behind for another hungry guest? Let me provide some suggestions that will hopefully help you to narrow down your search for the perfect Confectionery concoction.

Splurge: Cotton Candy – All the cotton candy in bags at the Disney Parks are made fresh each day. Nothing beats the smell of the spun sugar, and the way it melts on your tongue and sticks to your fingers. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to watch the Cast Members working the cotton candy machine, whipping up bag after bag of the colorful creation. I emphasize to splurge on the bags of cotton candy because Disney also sells smaller amounts in resalable plastic containers. While the portion controlled size may be tempting, this is not created in the park and is shipped in from a third party.

Pass: Cupcakes – They are fun. They are holiday themed. They are delicious. They are…not made in the store. The confectionery does not have an oven. This means, that any treat that would require the use of an oven is not prepared in store, and are not as fresh as some of the other items in the case. This goes for the cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and cake pops.

Splurge: Specialty Apples – Fresh apples are shipped in regularly to the Confectionery and are hand dipped and decorated in store by the Candy Makers. Instead of the cupcake, go for beautiful theming with this treat instead. You can even have your apple cut up into as many slices as you would like. I’m addicted to taking pictures, so I always ask to take a picture of my treat before they take it back to slice it for me. I think this is a common occurrence, as they never seem surprised by the request.Pass: Jelly Beans – First, these are not a Disney specific treat, they are Jelly Belly and you can get these anytime, anywhere. Go for a Disney original when you are in the park. Second, the pricing for these are tricky. The Jelly Beans are charged by pound, however, as many guests make the mistake, one full bag does not equal one pound. In fact, if you fill the bag that is provided, you are looking at about $45.00 dollars or more in Jelly Beans. Skip it.

Splurge: Large Mickey Mouse Rice Crispy Head – I’m talking about the BIG ones – the ones that are bigger than your own head. These too are made fresh in the Confectionery, and if you are in the store while they are being prepared, orders can be customized to your preferences. These make great take home souvenirs. I always pick one up and take it into work with me to spread the Disney magic around the office. Also, if you are traveling with a larger group, this is a great treat to share during the parades or fireworks. Not only will you have more than enough of the treat to go around, the savings by buying one of these versus several individual treats is huge!

Pass: The Odds and Ends in the Case– Here’s where is gets tricky; some of the chocolate dipped items in the display case are made on site (chocolate covered s’mores, chocolate covered strawberries), and some aren’t (most of the chocolate covered nut creations). When in doubt, ask a Cast Member! They are happy to share which items are made fresh in the store and which items have been shipped in.

Splurge: The Fudge – Also made fresh in the store, this is another great value. Often there will be a special deal that if you buy a certain number of pieces, you will get one free. Just ask a Cast Member what special they are running, as it is often not overtly advertised. There are flavors that change with the season (pumpkin, candy cane) and there are staples you can always find (chocolate, peanut butter, turtle). You should grab this treat when you are planning to sit and eat it, or as you head out of the park for the day as it will melt in the heat.

Whatever sugar packed morsel you end up choosing, you will not be disappointed. Remember, you are on vacation and there are no such thing as calories at Disney – it’s just another part of the Magic! At least, that’s what I tell myself when I walk out of the store with a bag full of goodies.

What are some of the treats that you cannot pass up when you visit the Confectionery? Do you bring treats home with you to share, or do you keep them for yourself? Let us know in the comment box below.

Monica is an Alumni of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works.

One of the best parts about visiting Walt Disney World is all the amazing characters that you can meet and greet! They are all over the place – around the Parks, at Character Spots, and then there’s my personal favorite way to mingle with them – character meals! Combining amazing Disney Food with character interaction is probably the most genius idea ever – and it’s become so popular that Disney has tons of character dining options to choose from! My family and I always plan a few different character meals for each trip, and having tried almost all of them, these are the ones I have deemed to be the BEST of the bunch:

Chef Mickey’s – Head over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Just a quick monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom!) for breakfast or dinner at Chef Mickey’s –featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto all dressed in chef outfits! I personally LOVE this spot, but I know that not everyone loves the food they offer here – but I think it’s great! It’s served up buffet style – breakfast offers omelets, eggs, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy, sausage and bacon, and assorted Danish and pastries. Dinner has options like oven roasted chicken and fish, a carving station with meats (beef, ham, turkey etc), Mickey shaped ravioli, vegetable sides, mashed potatoes, and an awesome dessert selection that includes a make you own ice cream sundae bar! The food may not be gourmet or fancy, but it tastes good and is kid-friendly, and even if you don’t love the food – you can’t say no to the awesome characters here – the fab five all in one place!

Tusker House – Animal Kingdom’s Africa is home to this unique buffet – where all three meals are served daily (although you’ll want to note that there are NO character appearances at dinner!), with appearances by Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie! There are a few different dining areas here, each decorated in the African theme that is carried out throughout the building – with high ceilings, dark wood, and bright colors – it’s a fun, welcoming place to eat! Breakfast features the traditional eggs/meats/potatoes/Danish and pancake/waffle options, but there are some different items here too – you’ll find bread pudding, bobotie (a quiche-like egg dish that is amazing!), mealie pap (a cream of wheat type dish), plaintains, and much more! Lunch offers various salads, basmati rice, carved meats and fish, assorted cold cuts and vegetarian dishes, and a dessert section (yum!). The great thing about this place is it is perfect for the adventurous and the not-so-adventurous alike – there are enough classic dishes to satisfy the picky eaters, and enough different items to make it worth a try for those who want to branch out and try something new!

Cinderella’s Royal Table – A princess lover’s dream – this character meal is actually served in Cinderella’s Castle! Cinderella greets you and poses for pictures downstairs, and once your name is called you are whisked upstairs to the royal dining room – where you get to mingle with the princesses while you eat! All three meals are served here, with items like steak and eggs and stuffed French toast in the morning, and gnocchi and pork sandwich for lunch, and items like prime rib and swordfish appear on the dinner menu. Everything is served with a “royal” flair, and kids (and adults too!) will really love it. This meal is a Signature Dining experience – which means its quite a bit more expensive than some other meals (and will cost you 2 disney dining plan credits instead of 1), but for some its definitely worth the chance to get to visit Cinderella’s Castle and dine with royalty! (Note – if you’re looking to dine with princesses but can’t swing the cost or can’t get an ADR at the Castle – then I recommend you check out Akershus in Epcot’s Norway)

Crystal Palace – This has to be one of my all-time favorite character meals – I have been coming here since I was a kid, and it is just as amazing as an adult too! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served buffet-style here, and the options are seriously mouth-watering. Pooh’s breakfast lasagna (layers of cake, fruit, custard and more!), Mickey waffles, an omelet station, and so much more are available at breakfast, while lunch and dinner offer assorted salads, a carving station, pasta, vegetable and potato sides, and a large array of desserts too. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore are all in attendance here, and they circulate the dining room for pictures, hugs, and an hourly “friendship parade” where the kids can march around with the characters. And what better way to start your day at the Magic Kingdom than with a hug from Pooh?

1900 Park Fare – A short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom is Disney’s beautiful Grand Floridian Resort which is home to this buffet that serves up breakfast and dinner – with a different cast of characters at each meal! Breakfast features Mary Poppins, the Mad Hatter, and Alice and offers menu items like strawberry soup, cheese blintzes, fresh fruit, and carved ham. You’ll dine with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella and dinner – while you enjoy carved beef and a large salad bar, and even sushi! The location in the Grand Floridian is great – the Resort is so beautiful and if you have time before or after your meal you should take a stroll around the grounds and check out the shops

These are all popular meals – so I suggest you make your Advance Dining Reservations as close to the 180 mark as possible! These are some places where I personally have had the best character interaction and the best food (which is pretty much how I judge everything!) – but I would love to know what YOUR favorite character meals at WDW are!

I typically have a sweet tooth, but ocaionally I crave something salty and delicious. Today we’re taking a look 10 of my favorite salty snacks at Disney World. Let’s dig in !

#1 Soft Pretzels (Mickey shaped taste EVEN better)

The chewy salt sprinkled exterior encases a delicate soft interior. There ain’t nothin’ wrong with a delectable soft pretzel (especially when it’s formed in the shape of The Mouse!). Soft pretzels provide the perfect salty snack, not too over the top with salt, but enough to tap into the savory taste bud and fulfill what you are craving. Dip it in mustard or cheese and you’ve got your self the perfect little sprinkle of salty goodness!

#2 Popcorn

It’s really impossible to walk into any Disney park and not crave popcorn. The smell of buttery, salty goodness permeates the air and you inevitably will have a hankering for this poppable treat! Available at literally every corner, this salty treat is affordable and great for sharing. Wash it down with a cold soda and you’ve found just about the perfect pick me up!

#3 Turkey Legs

There huge, portable, and perfectly savory for a salty treat! The best place, hands down to nosh on this gigantic leg of poultry is where you feel like a pioneer, Frontierland! You can’t beat eating with your hands and listening to some music from the old west! This treat is sure to take you back to a simpler, saltier time! Yee-haw!

#4 Hot Dogs

You can’t beat a good hot dog! You can find this savory treat throughout Disney World. You can get them stacked with everything from traditional toppings like ketchup and mustard to flavored with flair like Macaroni and Cheese to Chili to Barbecue Slaw topped dogs…Disney’s got you covered!

#5 Pizza

Pizza is one of my favorite salty treat. I love a good artisan crust and fine toppings, I love cheap and ordinary, I just love this saucy, cheesy, crusty concoction! One of my favorite spots to get a quick pizza is found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Pizza Planet. While the pizza’s aren’t
“out of this world” in extraordinary ingredients or toppings, they are delicious and will make your tummy smile! Settle up with a slice (or 2) and satisfy what your mouth desires!

#6 Macaroni and Cheese

There is ALWAYS room for Mac and Cheese…ALWAYS. I love this classic cult cheese lover’s favorite, especially the kind serve up at Disney World! You can find it on the menu at many restaurants and it even comes as an entree on some kids meals…okay that might be a bit much (in addition to all these other foods) but it is SO good!

#7 Fries

I love fries and I don’t care who knows it! I don’t eat them that often so, when I do, I really want them to be all that they can be! Crispy and tender, salty and delicious! I’m no fry snob, I’ll eat fast food or fine dining. A little bit of ketchup and mustard (is that weird???) and I’m set! You can find fries a plenty throughout the parks. Get fancy with your fries or eat straight up!

#8 Corn Dog/ Corn Dog Nuggets

There’s something about corn dogs that makes me think about the fun and fancy free feeling you get at the fair. Disney definitely trumps just about any fair, so why not enjoy this classic at Disney World. Portable on a stick or poppable froma cup.

#9 Pickles

Pickles are probably the poster child for salty food lovers! The crisp, refreshing, salty, crunch will satisfy that craving for salt like none other! Find them conveniently throughout the parks. The best way to eat them is cold and crisp and en route to a great ride!

#10 Pork Shank

For the Turkey Leg lovers, there’s another hand held salty delight! The Pork Shank is like a handheld summer BBQ. Crispy caramelized edges give way to fall off the bone perfection. I recommend picking up your pork shank at Gaston’s Tavern. This piece of meaty goodness will deliver the savory flavors you want!

Okay, so who’s hungry now? I know I am! What are your favorite salty eats at Disney World (or any Disney Park). Share it with us below! I’d love to add some savory delights to my dining bucket list!

I know you’ve been waiting for a sign telling you to visit Aulani, am I right? Well it’s here. Disney’s Aulani will be adding Dole Whips to the other offerings available at The Lava Shack! What more are you wanting in your Hawaiian Vacation Getaway? All that Aulani has to offer, and now Dole Whips too! It’s pretty close to Utopia in my book…

The Cult Favorite will be available at the Poolside Shop and will be Self-Serve! How high can you fill your cup? Get all your beach and pool needs plus a Dole Whip…

I have been writing about Aulani for awhile now. Showing you all about Aunty’s Beach House, the ocean, snorkeling reef, swimming with the sting-rays and more. I’m willing to wager that for some of you, the final piece to making the commitment to Aulani comes in the form of a Dole Whip…

The big question we should all ask is why in the world did it take this long? The Dole Pineapple Plantation is literally just a short drive up to the North Shore from Aulani. It’s hard to believe it’s a new addition.

With all that said, there is now simply no reasons left not to visit Hawaii. There are ways to spend your time on the islands so that you can enjoy the best of Aulani and the best of the Hawaiian Islands in a fun-filled adventure that can be less expensive than you imagine. Just let us know and we’ll get you some new pricing information!

I know you keep reading these articles and thinking, gosh I want to go there so bad. Someday I’ll visit Hawaii and Aulani. I can easily put together different room options and show you how affordable a trip to Aulani and Hawaii can be. Nothing to lose and so much to gain when you take the time to look at visiting the Worlds Best Top Family Hotel in the United States!

When Daniel isn’t sharing Planning Tips about Disney Cruises, Disneyland, Aulani, and other Destinations, he can be found either wishing he was at Disneyland or planning his and other’s Disney Vacations. Sometimes you can find him dreaming of which character he’ll be for Halloween too. Contact him or Request a Quote on the right side of the ChipandCo Page.

When it comes to summertime in Florida, the heat can be brutal – especially when you are touring the Disney parks. Cool treats are the perfect way to cool down in the parks, and as a gluten free guests, you’ll find plenty of gluten free options that will make you feel chilly in no time! Here is a list of some of my favorite gluten free cool treats.

Fruit bars
Frozen fruit bars are a terrific way to cool down while in the parks on a hot day. Served in a variety of flavors, these are a welcome treat. Most common flavors include: Pineapple and Strawberry.

Club Cool
The name just says it all! Disney serves Coca-Cola products at this location in Epcot and most are gluten free. You and your family will delight in trying new and interesting Coca-Cola soda flavors from around the world including the well-known Beverly!

Frozen Lemonade
One of my favorite things is lemonade. Turn it into a frozen treat, and you have one of my favorite ways to cool down in the summer. Disney currently carries Minute Maid brand frozen lemonade throughout the parks & resorts.

Shaved Ice
Disney has a variety of locations that offer shaved ice, including the water parks and the Japan Pavilion in Epcot. Kaki-Gori, found in Epcot, has a variety of flavors that are safe for special dietary needs. Check out flavors like strawberry, cherry, melon, tangerine, or rainbow (a mixture of all three flavors).

Dole Whip
Nothing is more iconic in Disney than a Dole Whip. Guests can easily indulge in this frozen delight and all of the flavors: pineapple, orange, and vanilla are gluten free. But of course, the pineapple is the most popular! If you are vegetarian or vegan, this is a safe option as well.

Ice Cream Sundaes
Did you know that you can get special dietary sundaes at Disney? Sundaes at the Plaza Restaurant or Ice Cream Parlor include lots of toppings, and you can even get a banana split. Beaches n’ Cream offers their version of a sundae complete with peanut butter sauce. Looking for an allergy friendly brownie sundae? Head over to 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Their version is outstanding with a house-made allergy friendly brownie. Most locations carry Edy’s (which has gluten free flavors) as well as Tofutti, Rice Dream, and So Delicious non-dairy ice cream for guests wishing to order these options.

Root beer floats
Like John from the Carousel of Progress, grab yourself a cold sarsaparilla from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and other popular Disney restaurant locations. Disney only serves Coca-Cola sodas and uses Barq’s Root Beer for their root beer floats.

Mickey Bar
Mickey Bars may be one of the most iconic Disney World treats. How can you not love something Mickey shaped? Guests report enjoying this item as a gluten free treat; however, do note that in the past Nestle, the company that produces these bars has indicated that cross-contamination for gluten may occur during manufacturing, though any have reported success enjoying these treats.

Always remember to consult with Disney cast members for current product ingredients and cross-contamination procedures. Some pre-packaged items will note this information on the package label.

I recently wrote about how the heat at Disney in the summer tends to drive people (myself included!) to as many indoor attractions as possible – but if you’re looking to stay outside and enjoy as much of that Florida sun as possible – then you are going to need two very important things – 1. A strong sunscreen, and 2. Hydration! Obviously there are drink carts and restaurants and kiosks around every corner at WDW, but I know that for me, only certain (frozen!) things can really hit the spot on a hot hot Orlando day – so here are my top picks for top Disney World super cold drinks:

Goofy’s Glaciers – This create your own slurpee station at Goofy’s Candy Co in Downtown Disney is an awesomely cold and refreshing treat during a long day of Park hopping. First, you customize your souvenir cup (different characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, etc are available!) then you get to fill it with your choice of 8 different slurpee flavors, and you can feel free to mix 2 or all 8 together for the perfectly customized drink! While you’re there, check out their huge sweets selection, and if you’re feeling creative you can even create your own treat, like a custom Mickey Krispie treat, candy apple, marshmallows, or pretzel rods! You can watch your creation be made before your very eyes while you enjoy your ice cold glacier drink (oh, and did I mention the store is indoors? Air conditioning woo hoo!)

Frozen lemonade – These are widely available throughout the Parks at various stands/kiosks, and they are basically a lemonade slushy served with a cool straw that doubles as a spoon! The taste is nice and tart but still sweet, and tastes really great overall. Various flavors are available too (I have seen strawberry, and blue raspberry versions). A great treat to enjoy while you wait in that long (and I mean REALLY long) line to meet your favorite Frozen characters (to go with your FROZEN drink of course!)

Stoplight Margarita – Head over to High Octane Refreshments (adjacent to Studio Catering Co) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for this adult beverage that looks – you guessed it – like a stoplight, with green, yellow and red layers. The red is strawberry flavored, the yellow is a golden margarita, and the green is melon flavored. If one of those flavors doesn’t thrill you, each one is available separately too, as well as an assortment of other drinks (wine, beer, etc). But I love the look of this one personally – and the flavor combo is actually pretty good, none of the elements are too strong and it combines into one great frozen cocktail

Lefou’s Brew – Served up at Gaston’s Tavern over in the New Fantasyland, this frozen apple juice drink is topped with a creamy passion fruit froth that is supposed to be the brew’s “head”. You can get it in a regular cup or a souvenir “stein” featuring Gaston himself! The apple slush is pretty plain, but has an extra kick of sweetness from a slight marshmallow-y flavor that is added to it. Gaston’s is a great place to stop and sit down for a “brew”, a delicious cinnamon roll, and a giant pork shank (if that’s’what you’re into!)

Pineapple Float: This concoction is available at Aloha Isle in Adventureland, and its basically a Dole Whip on top of a cup of pineapple juice. That may not sound fancy, but trust me, it’s awesome! I like to mix the soft serve in with the juice for more of a smoothie-like texture, and this is a great way to get a quick sugar rush and a drink all while enjoying the classic Dole Whip taste. The line here may be quite long on a hot day – but its worth the wait in me book!

Honorable mention goes to the Frappucccino collection at Starbucks – and yes I realize this isn’t exactly a “thirst quencher”, nor is it something unique to the parks – but hey, it’s cold, big, and contains caffeine – and some mornings that’s all that matters

Well there you have it, my top 5 super cold frozen drink picks at WDW – but I would love to know – how do YOU beat the heat at WDW?

With the 19th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival just around the corner, we would like to invite Tables in Wonderland members only to a “sneak preview” of this year’s Festival! Join us as we sample the food and hear speakers talk about the new and exciting things we have in store for you this year! Learn what new marketplaces will be added, as well as new special events. Be one of the first to be “in the know” as we taste our way around the world!

Where: East Hall, World ShowPlace Pavilion at Epcot

When: Saturday July 19, 2014 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Price: $143.78, tax & gratuity included

When you go to the website please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number (number beginning with a W and includes a date)

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit Card

Personal Email Address

Food Allergies (if any)

Seating Requests: Please add the Name/Registration Number of any guests on a separate booking you wish to be seated with.

Please Note: Request’s will be accommodated as available and are not a guarantee.

The event is limited to 250 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. Park admission not required.

The menu for this event is inspired by the International Marketplaces:

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, which you have not already told us about, please send an email to WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com. Please send your requests as early as possible to give them to accommodate your requests.

Y’all, if sticky and gooey is wrong…well, I don’t want to be right! This morning, as I’m typing this post, I’m coming off of a 20 minute search for the perfect Disney Dining Breakfast. After the continuous quest for what I was hungry for (that is my everlasting longing for Disney World) wasn’t quenched with my bowl of granola topped fruit, I realized that what I really wanted—-scratch that—– what I craved was the delectable confection found under the antler clad halls of Gaston’s Tavern. (whew…that was a LONG, packed sentence–sorry okay, not sorry). So, today I figure that if my tastes buds can’t actually be satisfied by a cinnamon roll the size of my head, at least my thoughts can! That’s why I’m bring at you, something that I think tastes SO good! Today we’re cyber noshing on pure sugary goodness! Let’s roll!

Indulge with me if you will…You’ve just walked Down Main Street USA and made your way into the New Fantasyland area and you stumble across the ever-so vain statue of a fully flexing Gaston. The air is thick with the aromas of cinnamon laced sugar and yeast. The moment you smell it you’re drawn in. You enter the Tavern and your eyes are fixed on the glory, the splendor, THE pastry of your dreams (okay, so maybe it’s a cinnamon roll, but it’s not just any cinnamon roll) it’s a magical cinnamon roll that begs to be eaten by you. Calories, move over, you’ve got to get your hands on one of these rolls.

The considerate side of you would say share, but everybody knows the sweet tooth is louder! Don’t share that thing! So what, if you eat so much that you get sick, it doesn’t really matter! It’ll be the best sugar rush you’ve EVER had! Let yourself unwind in the swirling layers of this divine delicacy! The soft dough is served up warm and ready to devour. Grab a coffee or a LeFou’s Brew and get ready to enter into a dangerous land. A land where you’re writing paragraphs on a random Saturday morning in June, all about a cinnamon roll. I need an intervention…who are we kidding, I need some Disney World!!!

I hope that my fellow Disney World cinnamon roll lovers will appreciate this post. Maybe you’re able to eat one today in the parks, maybe you’re just enjoying the computer version. No matter how you’re enjoying this creation that I’m craving, I hope that we’ll all be able to satisfy this hunger soon! Share with us below your favorite Disney World pastry, who knows, you might just see it show up here on a “Tastes SO Good” post!

One thing Disney parks are known for is the treats! The Candy Apple and Rice Crispy Treat rank high on many people’s list. Which one is the superior snack though?

Each of them has their virtues, and each has their not so favorite parts as well. Both are pretty delicious, and come in a variety of decorations. They can also be made with your toppings of choice at places like Goofy’s Candy Co. Each has a nifty stick to hold them and keep your fingers clean, but that’s where the similarities begin to drift apart.

First let’s discuss the Candy Apple. This gem is large, bold, and dripping with sweet delights. This treat has the added bonus of the cold and crisp fruit to help keep you cool in the outdoor sun. The apple also adds a nice contrast of texture from the candies and coatings wrapping around it. I feel this is a great choice for leisure time, you’ll want to sit and enjoy while taking in a parade or watching fireworks. Disney uses large beautiful apples, so this is an easy snack to share. The Candy Apple is divine but, it’s a bit hard to eat while touring the parks, and has a higher price point than our friend the Rice Crispy Treat.

Now for the Rice Crispy Treat. This option is easy to handle and not very messy. The crispy treat is great for small hands to hold while avoiding any oopsies. If you have a sweet tooth this is a great option, lots of gooey marshmallow flowing through the sweet cereal. This is a hearty snack that holds up well, so you can make your way through the crowds with little worries of losing it. Since the crispy treat holds up so well, it’s also a great snack you can bring home with you, which is a nice way to bring back Disney memories once you are home. While this is a cheaper option than the candy apple, it’s much smaller so not as share able. You also won’t get a refreshing feeling like you would from the cool apple on a hot day in the parks.

So in the end it comes down to which option works best for you. For me the apple is great while taking a break on Main Street, for my toddler the crispy treat is his favorite memento to bring home. I don’t feel either is superior, simply different. They both have their merits depending on how you like to snack. Both will also check off a notch on our Disney Foods to try challenge! Which one do you prefer?

Summer is officially here and the parks are getting warm and crowded. My favorite way to beat the heat is to take advantage of some of the cool offerings at the parks, Downtown Disney, and at some of the resorts. Here are my top ten treats and where to find them.

10. Everyone has seen the Mickey premium ice cream bar. This vanilla ice cream ice cream bar is shaped like Mickey Mouse and covered in chocolate. What makes it great is that is on a stick , and quite portable. It is also very easy to locate. Look for the numerous ice cream carts located through out the parks. It also is usually available in the ice cream freezers in the resorts.

9. The dole whip. This treat has been one of my favorites for years. What it is is a blend of pineapple and soft-serve vanilla ice cream. You can find it at the Tropical Isle in Adventureland, as well as Captain Hook’s at the Polynesian. ( Please make a note that Captain Hook’s is currently under refurbishment, and no where else is it available at the Polynesian until it reopens.)

8. Peanut Butter and Jelly Shake at 50’s Prime Time Cafe. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are good, but this shake takes them to a whole other level. This milkshake blends a classic shake with chunks of peanut butter and layers of jelly. It is a staple at 50’s and a great excuse to order one at the bar if you are not dinning there.

7. Fruit Smoothies. For those who want a healthy alternative, or have sensitivity to dairy, these are a great alternative. They are found at most dinning restaurants and some quick service locations throughout the resort. It is important that you let the person know of any allergies so that they can make yours accordingly. My personal favorite is the Wildberry option at the Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavor Food Court.

6. Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. This monster is not for the faint of heart. It contains 8 scoops of ice cream, layers of every topping they have, and an entire can of whipped cream ( a whole can?????) served in a mini kitchen sink. It is great for groups as it can fill you up quite quickly. Again, let your server know of any allergies, as they will do their best to accommodate.

5. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. This is a great place to get ice cream before the parade and fireworks. My favorite is their sundaes, but they also serve ice cream and milkshakes. Don’t forget to try the Mickey Kitchen Sink!

4. Lemonade. Nothing is better than sitting in the shade sipping some delicious lemonade. There are many locations that have it, but my personal favorite is the frozen type at Prince Eric’s in the New Fantasy Land.

3. Shaved ice. This is my favorite treat when visiting the water parks, but some quick service locations also carry it. It is a great way to beat the heat and experiment with different flavor combinations. My personal favorite is cherry.

2. Everything Ghirardelli. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you. Besides being world famous for their chocolates, they also have their fair share of ice cream treats. From sundaes to milkshakes, they have you covered. It is located in Downtown Disney, and is a great place to stop at when in the area. It can get very crowded, so a to- go order might be in order. My go to treat here? The Quake Shake! It is a milkshake infused with a chocolate bar and your choice of a mix in. For me, its the peanut butter that puts me over the edge.

1. For the adults who want an adult beverage, the frozen margaritas at La Cava del Tequila ( or if you are in a hurry, the Margarita Stand in Mexic0). My personal favorite is the Fiesta Flavor. Its sweet and thirst quenching. It also is a great way to chill after walking all around Epcot.